pibiflex®

PFX

1016

THERMOPLASTIC COPOLYESTER ELASTOMER

SO.F.TER. SPAHeadquartersVia Mastro Giorgio 147122 Forlì, Italytel +39 0543 790411fax +39 0543 473119 info.it@softergroup.com

SO.F.TER. DEUTSCHLAND GMBHWeidacher Straße 2670794 Filderstadt, Germanytel +49 711 327000-0fax +49 711 327000-10info.de@softergroup.com

SO.F.TER. USA400 Innovative Way Lebanon, TN 37090, UStel +1 844 657 6383 (THINKSOFTER)info.us@softergroup.com

SO.F.TER. BRASILCOMPOSTOS TERMOPLÁSTICOS LTDAAv. Edgar Hoffmeister, 275CEP 93700-000Campo Bom, RS, Brazil tel +55 51 2123 2610fax +55 51 2123 2622 info.br@softergroup.com

SOCIEDAD FORLIVESATERMOPLASTICOS S.A. DE C.V.Circuito Mexiamora Norte N° 345Puerto Interior, Silao, G.to Mexico 36275 tel +52 472 722 6923fax +52 472 103 4724 info.mx@softergroup.com

www.softergroup.com

1Cover image: courtesy ENNEREV MATERASSI SPA

Soft Segment (Polytetramethylene Ether Glycol Terephtalate)

Hard Segment (Polybuthylene Terephtalate)

Chemical structurePibiflex® is a thermoplastic copolyester based elastomer with a partially crystalline sequential structure formed by rigid crystalline PBT segments and soft amorphous polyether/polyester long-chain segments. The soft segments

provide elasticity and rubber-like properties, while the hard segments provide the processing ease and the strength typical of engineering plastics. The ratio between hard and soft segments determines the properties of the various grades.

Pibiflex® Thermoplastic Copolyester Elastomer (TPC)

O (CH2)4 O C C O(CH

2CH

2CH

2CH

2 O)

X C C

O||

O||

O||

O||

a b

Pibiflex® hardness range Pibiflex® hardness range

0 10 20 30 40 50 60 70 80 90Shore A

Shore A

Shore D20 30 40 50 60 70 80 90

50 20 80 40 110 60140 80ì 170Rockwell R

Natural rubbers

Polyuretanes

Plastics

Pibiflex®

TPE - Styrenics

Thermoplastic Vulcanizates

2 3

RangeSO.F.TER. offers a complete portfolio ranging from soft to hard solutions.

• Injection moulding grades offering easy processability also for the rigid grades• Extrusion and blow moulding grades providing excellent melt strength• Dolphin grades for the production of soft-touch interior trims in a single phase (see Dolphin technology page 8)

Summary of properties• Hardness from 25 up to 70 Shore D• Flexural Modulus from 30 up to 600 MPa • Tensile Strength from 15 up to 40 MPa • Elongation at break from 300 up to 850 %• Vicat 1Kg/120 °C from 80 up to over 200 °C• HDT (0,45 MPa) from 46 up to over 120 °C

Applications • Automotive: CVJ boots, airbags, air ducts, belt drives, conveyor belts, hoses and steering wheel covers, soft skins for dashboard, door panels and interior trims• Electrical appliance: wire and cable jackets, buttons and grips of electric power tools equipment• Industrial: railroad tie pads, high-pressure gaskets, silent gears, spring of dispensing machines, cable ties• Sport: flipper blades

Adhesion-2K mouldingPibiflex® features very good adhesion properties to many polymeric materials including ABS, PBT, PC, PC/PBT, PC/ABS, EVA, TPU, SEBS (special grades) and to many paints, glues and metals.

ApprovalsVarious Pibiflex® grades have been approved for automotive applications by the most important automotive manufacturers and Tier 1.

Food contact gradesPibiflex® grades 2560 and 3560 comply with the requirements of the FDA-CFR 21-parts 170 to 199 item 177.2600, paragraph a) b) c) d) e) f) for use in contact with dry foods, aqueous foods and fatty foods. Such grades can be used in food packaging and in alcohol, fruit juices and oil bottling.

Medical gradesPibiflex® grades 2560 and 3560 comply with the requirements of USP XXXII:2009 Class VI and ISO 10993-4/5/10 and can be used in medical applications.Test performed:• Intracutaneous reactivity • Systemic toxicity • Implantation test in the rabbit • Physicochemical test <661> Plastics: nonvolatile residue, heavy metals, buffering capacity • Cytotoxicity, MEM Elution • Hemolysis test, direct and indirect contact

Pibiflex® Thermoplastic Copolyester Elastomer (TPC)

Elastic propertiesPibiflex® features excellent mechanical properties, such as tensile strength and tear strength, exceptional toughness and resilience, high creep and flexural fatigue resistance.

Temperature resistancePibiflex® has an excellent temperature behaviour:• maintains flexibility at low temperatures (low temperature limit - 45 °C)• retains properties at high temperatures (high temperature limit 150 °C, continuous use)

Weathering resistance UV stabilized grades• Pibiflex® 3567 S2 Black 33• Pibiflex® 50517 Black• Pibiflex® 6097 Blackshow a substantial retain of mechanical propertiesafter 1000 hours exposure to Xenon lamps (Norm PSA Peugeot Citroen D27 1389).

Compression Set astM d395-b type1

Pibiflex® 2560 (ShD25) Pibiflex® 3560 (ShD35) Pibiflex® 4482 (ShD44)

70%

60%

50%

40%

30%

20%

10%

0%

22 h @ 70°C 72 h @ 23°C

58%

26% 28%

38%

52%

61%

tens

ile s

trai

n at

bre

ak %

UV resistance - tensile strain

Hours >

900

800

700

600

500

400

300

200

100

0

100 200 300 400 500 600 700 800 900 1000 1100

Pibiflex® 50517 ShD 50Pibiflex® 3567S2 ShD 35 Pibiflex® 6097 ShD 60

tens

ile s

tren

gth

at b

reak

MPa

UV resistance - tensile strength

Hours >

35

30

25

20

15

10

5

100 200 300 400 500 600 700 800 900 1000 1100

Pibiflex® 50517 ShD 50Pibiflex® 3567S2 ShD 35 Pibiflex® 6097 ShD 60

0CVJ boots Pibiflex® B5050 MWR (Blow moulding grade)Pibiflex® 4054 IM (Injection moulding grade)

Bi-material air ductBlow moulded PBT ducts, heat welded to theTPC basePibiter® BM521 (PBT, blow moulding) Pibiflex® 4632 (TPC, injection moulding)

4 5

Injection moulding

drying 3-4 h @ 90-120 °C in dehumidifying hopper drier

plasticizing screw polyesther-type screw

screw L/D ratio ≥ 20:1

screw compression ratio 3:1 to 4:1

plasticizing speed high

injection speed high

injection pressure high

runners having circular section and gradually decreasing flow-through diameter

injection points (*) Ø ≥ 0.7 mm

mould air vents Ø 0.03 ÷ 0.05 mm

Extrusion/blow moulding

drying 3-4 h @ 90-120 °C in dehumidifying hopper drier

plasticizing screw polyethylene-type screw

screw L/D ratio ≥ 20:1

screw compression ratio 2,5:1 to 3,5:1

die land <10 mm

breaker plate 60 Mesh

(*) We recommend not to use injection points having a diameter <0.3 mm without prior selection of the appropriate grades,

to be agreed with SO.F.TER. Technical Support.

Injection moulding 1st Zone 2nd Zone 3rd Zone Nozzle Mould

hardness 25-50 ShD 210-225 220-230 225-240 230-250 40-60

hardness 55-70 ShD 220-230 230-240 240-250 240-250 40-70

Extrusion 1st Zone 2nd Zone 3rd Zone Head Die

hardness 45-60 ShD 220-230 230-240 240-250 230-250 230-250

Blow moulding 1st Zone 2nd Zone 3rd Zone Head Die

hardness 40-50 ShD 200-220 210-230 220-240 220-250 220-250

Indicative processing temperatures (°C)

Chemical resistancePibiflex® offers outstanding chemical resistance to fuels, oils, greases and it is particularly suitable for applications in the automotive sectorwhere continuous contact with oils and greases at high temperature is required.

Processing conditions

Hardness (Shore D)

35-40 45-55 >60

Oils, greases, hydrocarbons

Mineral oil, grease, non aromatic hydrocarbons

Benzene, toluene, aromatic hydrocarbons, chemicals, solvents

Water, alchohols, glycols

At ambient temperature

>50 °C without specific stabilizer

>50 °C with specific stabilizer

Acids and bases

Diluited

Concentrated

Pibiflex® Thermoplastic Copolyester Elastomer (TPC)

Pibiflex® B5050 MWR ageing in grease (OLCi) - 336 h @ 125 °C

Hardness Tensile strenght Tensile strain

476

41,5

3435,5

24

544

Pibiflex® B5050 MWR ageing in grease (2LN584LO) - 336 h @ 125 °C

Hardness Tensile strenght Tensile strain

476

41,5

3439

17

290

Recycling Pibiflex® is a fully recyclable material.Production scraps can be re-used after grinding. Recovered material can be mixed with virgin material, but we recommend not to exceed a percentage of 20%,in order not to alter the compound final quality.

Packaging and storagePibiflex® is supplied in 25 kg moisture proof aluminium bags. The product should be stored in its original packaging in a cool, dry place at temperatures below 40 °C. Exposure to light and to other heat sources must be avoided.

6 7

PIBIFLEX® Thermoplastic Copolyester Elastomer (TPC)

INJECTION MOULDING BLOW MOULDING EXTRUSION

Pibiflex®2094 S

NAT

Pibiflex®2560 NAT

Pibiflex®3560 NAT

Pibiflex®3567

S2

Pibiflex®4010

LC NAT

Pibiflex®4054

IM NERO

Pibiflex®4482 NAT

Pibiflex®4612 NAT

Pibiflex®5312 NAT

Pibiflex®5612 NAT

Pibiflex®5880 NAT

Pibiflex®6097 NERO

Pibiflex®L 6360 NAT

Pibiflex®7212 NAT

Pibiflex®8394 NAT

Pibiflex®B 5050

MWR NERO

Pibiflex®RFB 40011

NERO

Pibiflex®B 50518 T2 NERO

Pibiflex®E 4482 NAT

Pibiflex®E 5332 NAT

Pibiflex®E 5888 NAT

Pibiflex®E 6060 NAT

Physical properties Method Unit

hardness 15” ASTM D2240 Shore D 23 27 35 35 33 41 44 46 53 54 56 60 63 68 66 41 45 48 45 53 55 60

density ASTM D792 g/cm3 1,09 1,09 1,12 1,12 1,15 1,14 1,19 1,17 1,2 1,22 1,24 1,21 1,24 1,27 1,26 1,14 1,16 1,18 1,19 1,23 1,24 1,23

water absorption 24 h/23 °C ASTM D570 % - 0,95 0,9 0,9 0,6 3 0,8 0,6 0,52 2,5 0,23 0,22 0,16 0,3 0,6 3 1,25 2,5 0,23

melting point (dsc) ASTM D3417 °C 185 185 195 195 155 200 210 194 203 208 218 212 219 215 198 200 214 205 210 200 218 218

glass transition INTERNAL °C - -70 -65 - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - -

MVR melt volume rate (220 °C - 2,16 kg) ASTM D1238 cm3/10’ 9 20 25 25 16 - - - - - - - - - - - - - -

MFI melt flow index (230 °C - 2,16 kg) ASTM D1238 g/10' - - - - - 10 13 20 15 15 - 9 80 - 25 1,5 - - 5 9 7 9

MFI melt flow index (230 °C - 5 kg) ASTM D1238 g/10' - - - - - - - - - - 12 - - - - - 5 1 - - - -

MFI melt flow index (240 °C - 2,16 kg) ASTM D1238 g/10' - - - - - - - - - - - - - 14 - - - - - - - -

Mechanical properties

tensile strength at break ASTM D638 MPa 12 16 18 18 20 33 28 25 30 35 38 30 34 40 32 30 28 30 28 35 40 35

elongation at break ASTM D638 % 750 800 850 750 730 600 500 800 650 600 500 400 500 420 350 460 500 350 500 600 500 500

flexural modulus ASTM D790 MPa 30 35 55 55 56 90 150 125 210 260 300 450 520 640 1100 90 160 150 160 220 300 430

tear strength ASTM D624 N/mm - - 60 - - 98 - 85 - 155 - - - - - 110 - - - 120 - -

fatigue resistance ASTM D1052 mm/Kcicli - - 0,1/300 - - 0,1/300 - 0,1/300 - 6/50 - - - - - 0,1/300 - - - 0,1/300 - -

IZOD impact strength notched at 23 °C ASTM D256/A J/m N.B. N.B. N.B. N.B. N.B. N.B. N.B. N.B. N.B. 800 N.B. - - - 85 N.B. N.B. - N.B. N.B. N.B. -

IZOD impact strength notched at -10 °C ASTM D256/A J/m - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - N.B. - - - -

IZOD impact strength notched at -30 °C ASTM D256/A J/m N.B. N.B. N.B. N.B. N.B. N.B. N.B. N.B. N.B. 130 N.B. - - - - N.B. N.B. - N.B. 800 N.B. -

IZOD impact strength notched at -40 °C ASTM D256/A J/m - - - - - - - - - - - - 80 - - - N.B. 500 - - - -

IZOD impact strength notched at -50 °C ASTM D256/A J/m - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - 150 - - - -

abrasion resistance (taber h18 - 1kg) ASTM D1044 mg/Kcicli 50 - - - - - - 85 - 73 - - - - - - - - - 62 - -

Thermal properties

VICAT method A (120 °C/h at 10 N) ASTM D1525 °C - - - - - 155 - 148 - 188 198 - 203 - 175 155 - 175 - 180 198 >150

H.D.T. Method B (0,45 MPa) ASTM D648 °C - - - - - - - 54 - 88 - - - - 73 - - - - 80 - 95

Flammability properties

oxygen index ASTM D2863 - 20 20 20 20 20 20 20 20 20 20 20 21 21 22 20 20 20 20 20 21

flame rating 1.6 mm UL 94 - - - - - - - - - - - - - HB - - - - - - - - -

Electrical properties

volume resistivity at 23 °C ASTM D257 Ohm.cm - > 1013 > 1013 - - - - > 1013 - > 1013 - - > 1013 > 1014 - - - - - - - -

volume resistivity at 100 °C ASTM D257 Ohm.cm - > 1011 > 1011 - - - - > 1011 - > 1012 - - > 1012 > 1013 - - - - - - - -

dielectric strength at 2,0 mm -23 °C ASTM D149 kV/mm - 16 17 - - - - 17 - 18 - - - 18 - - - - - - - -

dielectric constant 1KHz ASTM D150 - - 4,4 4,3 - - - - 4,25 - 3,8 - - - 2,85 - - - - - - - -

dielectric constant 100KHz ASTM D150 - - 4,3 4,25 - - - - 4,21 - 3,7 - - - 2,75 - - - - - - - -

dissipation factor tan ∂ - 1 KHz ASTM D150 - - 0,005 0,006 - - - - 0,006 - 0,011 - - - 0,0132 - - - - - - - -

dissipation factor tan ∂ - 100 KHz ASTM D150 - - 0,014 0,015 - - - - 0,016 - 0,024 - - - 0,0126 - - - - - - - -

all the figures reported in this publication are the result of tests and analyses carried out in our laboratories and are believed to be accurate and reliable. tests are performed at 23 °C unless otherwise specified. data may be subject to revision and are provided for general guidance only. the user is responsible for carrying out all the tests necessary to verify the suitability of the material for the specific application. sO.F.tER. makes no warranties and assumes no liability in connection with any use of this information.

Technical data

Pibiflex® Thermoplastic Copolyester Elastomer (TPC)

8

Aesthetics meets technology Dolphin is an innovative technology that enables the production of soft-touch dashboard and interior panels in a single phase.

The production of the three-layer structure takes place in a single moulding cell:

1. injection of the rigid structural carrier in Reblend® (PC/ABS alloy)2. injection and foaming of the intermediate structural layer (MuCell® foamed Pibiflex®)3. injection of upper soft-touch layer in Pibiflex®

Benefits• leaner logistics and production cycle• cost reduction • full recyclability of the entire item, in compliance with EU Directive 2000/53/EC – ELV (End of Life Vehicles).

ApplicationDashboard, door panels, armrest, consoles and soft-touch parts of automotive interiors.

Pibiflex® 3567 S2The soft-touch skin is made with Pibiflex® 3567 S2a grade specifically developed for this application which guarantees:• very high UV and scratch resistance combined with excellent haptic properties • preservation of properties (haptic and softness) even at very low temperature

• excellent aesthetic properties in various colours • high chemical affinity with the gas used in the MuCell® foaming process• high chemical affinity with the structural carrier made in PC/ABS

The high chemical affinity of the materials used ensures a perfect adhesion between rigid and soft part, as confirmed by specific tests.

Pibiflex® 3567 S2 meets the requirementsof the following automotive norms:

• material properties DBL 5562.50• climate resistance test (alternating climates) DBL 5471• constant climate (dry hot) DBL 5471• constant climate (wet hot) DBL 5471• colour change after climate storage DBL 5471• solar simulation DBL 5471• abrasion resistance DIN EN ISO 105-X12• scratch resistance DBL 5471• emission analysis VOC DBL 8585 – VDA 278• emission analysis FOG DBL 8585 – VDA 278• odour test DBL 5471 – VDA 270• fogging test DBL 5471 – DIN 75 201

Reblend®The rigid carrier is made with Reblend (PC/ABS alloy). The specific grade developed for this application has good flowability and high dimensional stability.

Dolphin